AIM opens hotline to businesses affected by bombings

The Associated Industries of Massachusetts said it is making its members-only employer hotline available to all businesses affected by the Boston Marathon bombing.

Officials said the AIM Employer Hotline answers more than 800 employer questions each month about employment law, human resource practices and management issues.

Several businesses in the Copley Square area near the site of the dual explosions have been closed since April 15 as state, federal and local authorities investigate the crime scene. Additional businesses in Watertown and Cambridge were also affected by the hunt for the suspects.

The hotline number is 1-800-470-6277. Those who call are advised to tell the staff expert who answers that their company was affected by the Marathon bombings.